LOSS PREVENTION | Flood

Flooding and damage resulting from other water sources are the most
common type of natural disaster worldwide accounting for 40% of all
natural disasters. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood
or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple
states. However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly,
sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly,
sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain.

Practice water loss safety

Avoid building in a flood prone area unless you elevate and
reinforce your home.

Check the pitch of the landscaping around your home to make sure
the property is graded to drain water away from the building.

If your property is prone to flooding consider installing french
drains, drywells or other additional drainage aids.

Perform regular checks and cleaning of gutters, leaders and drains
to remove any blockages.

Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if
susceptible to flooding.

Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent
floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.

Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to
construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from
entering the homes in your area.

Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to
avoid seepage.

Watch for flash floods, flood watch, and flood warnings on the
news.

Prevent frozen pipes

Maintain heat in the home at a comfortable level. Be sure that
system is properly fueled and serviced for consistent heating. Change
filters on oil-fired heating systems regularly.

Seal any leaks in the home's foundation that allow cold air inside.
(Do not cover vents that are installed to provide combustion air to
fuel-fired hot water heaters or other equipment as that could lead to
carbon monoxide poisoning.)

Check for pipes close to exterior walls. Insulate any exposed pipes
in your home's crawl space, attic or basement.

If your water meter box is outdoors, be sure that it is insulated
and the lid is on tight.

Protect outdoor electrical equipment to help prevent power outage.

Make sure you know the location of the water main shut-off valve.
In the event of a pipe break, turn water off at this point.

Open the cabinets under the sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms to
allow heat to circulate around vulnerable water pipes.

If you elect to drain pipes when leaving for an extended period,
turn off the water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to
drain the pipes. If you drain pipes, contact the electric or gas
company for instructions on protecting the water heater.

Being informed and well prepared are
the best ways to improve your chances of recovering from disaster.
Advanced Fire & Flood offers a variety of informative presentations and continuing
education seminars tailored to meet your specific educational needs.